How to Plan a Family Trip to Paris
Plan 5-7 days minimum, book accommodations near Metro lines 1 or 4 for easy access to major attractions, and pre-purchase skip-the-line tickets for the Eiffel Tower and Louvre. Focus on 2-3 major sights per day with playground breaks and kid-friendly restaurants.
- Choose your timing and duration. Plan for 5-7 days minimum. May-June and September-October offer the best weather and smaller crowds. Avoid August when locals vacation and many shops close. Book 3-4 months ahead for better accommodation prices.
- Pick family-friendly accommodation. Stay near Metro lines 1 or 4 which connect major attractions without transfers. The Marais (4th arrondissement) or Saint-Germain (6th) work well. Book apartments through Airbnb or family rooms in hotels with connecting rooms. Avoid tourist-heavy areas like Pigalle.
- Map out your must-see attractions. Pre-purchase timed entry tickets for Eiffel Tower (€29 adults, €14.50 kids to 2nd floor), Louvre (free for under 18), and Arc de Triomphe. Book these 60 days in advance. Plan indoor backup options for rainy days like Musée d'Orsay or Aquarium de Paris.
- Plan kid-friendly daily schedules. Limit to 2-3 major activities per day. Build in playground time at Luxembourg Gardens, Tuileries, or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Plan rest breaks every 3 hours. Schedule major sights for mornings when kids have more energy.
- Research family dining options. Make dinner reservations at kid-friendly bistros like L'As du Fallafel (Marais) or Breizh Café for crêpes. Identify picnic spots near major attractions. Note that most restaurants don't open for dinner until 7:30 PM.
- Arrange transportation. Buy a weekly Navigo Easy card for Metro travel (€1.90 per ride, kids under 4 free). Download the Citymapper app for navigation. Pre-arrange airport transfers - RER B train takes 45 minutes to central Paris but requires stairs and transfers.
- How do I handle naptime with young kids while sightseeing?
- Plan major indoor attractions (Louvre, Musée d'Orsay) during typical nap times when you can use a stroller. Many Paris parks have quiet spots for stroller naps. Hotel rooms or apartment rentals allow midday breaks.
- What's the best way to get around with kids and strollers?
- Metro lines 1 and 14 have platform doors and are mostly accessible. Bus line 69 offers scenic above-ground travel from Eiffel Tower to Bastille. Many stations lack elevators, so budget extra time for stairs.
- How do I avoid long lines with impatient kids?
- Pre-purchase skip-the-line tickets for major attractions. Visit popular spots like the Eiffel Tower early morning or evening. Use the Paris Museum Pass for faster entry to 60+ attractions, though it doesn't include the Eiffel Tower.
- What should I do if it rains?
- Head to covered passages like Galerie Vivienne, visit the Aquarium de Paris, or spend time in large department stores like Galeries Lafayette which have interesting architecture and play areas.